A recent study indicates that patients who come off new weight-loss injections like semaglutide or tirzepatide may regain lost weight far faster than those who stop conventional lifestyle regimens.
Research printed in a major medical journal points out that while obese people frequently drop about a fifth of their total mass while on the medication, the mass comes back at an average rate of nearly a kilo each month once they quit.
"Individuals buying these drugs should be informed of the risk of fast weight regain when the therapy is stopped," cautioned researcher Dr. Susan Jebb.
That rate of recovery implies a reversion to original weight in about one and a half years.
Analyzing Treatments
The study, which reviewed 37 of trials involving thousands of participants, compared the effects of these new drugs with older methods.
The team point out that people who lose weight through dieting usually see a less rapid creep back—approximately 100 grams monthly—after stopping.
Understanding the Quick Rebound
Doctors propose the way of the drugs is key to understanding the amplified regain.
These medications copy a body's own chemical called glucagon-like peptide-1, which moderates feelings of fullness.
"Artificially providing the hormone concentrations several times higher than the body's typical production may cause the body to generate a reduced amount of its endogenous GLP-1, and may also reduce sensitivity to its actions," explained Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics specialist.
"Withdrawal of this medication results in hunger is no longer kept in check, making excessive eating far more likely."
An Ongoing Disease?
Medical guidelines recommend the jabs for individuals with weight-linked medical conditions, accompanied by recommended diet and exercise modifications.
Many experts argue that, considering the likelihood of relapse, the therapy might need to be ongoing.
This perspective is echoed by drug manufacturers, who note that the findings "highlight the long-term nature of excess weight," comparing it to managing conditions like diabetes.
Patient Experiences
Individuals who have stopped the jabs explain a intense return of hunger.
"It was like a trigger that goes on and you become extremely hungry," described one woman.
This challenge is exacerbated if individuals have not established sustainable dietary or behavioural changes during therapy.
Significant Adoption
Survey data show that a significant number of people in the UK have used these injections in the past year, with demand remaining high.
- Adoption is higher among females than men.
- The middle-aged age group shows the highest usage rates.
- A large proportion obtain the medications through private healthcare rather than the NHS.
Finally, experts stress that while the jabs are effective tools for shedding pounds, they are not a permanent solution and long-term success likely depends on combined behavioural management.
